Mesa Airport Demands Answers on Overcrowding at ICE Facility

The situation at a facility near Mesa Gateway Airport has raised eyebrows due to reports of overcrowding, prompting the executive director of the airport authority to seek clarification. The facility, used by ICE for housing detainees, has been allegedly accommodating numbers far beyond its intended capacity.

On April 28, J Brian O’Neill, the executive director of Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, reached out via email to the leasing company of the building, expressing that reports of overcrowding were “very concerning.”

The facility is designed to hold a maximum of 203 detainees. However, the Arizona Mirror has noted that the facility has housed as many as 700 individuals on a single day.

Citing the situation, Mesa city officials recognized the issue but mentioned that their power to enforce compliance with local building and occupancy standards is limited due to the federal nature of immigration enforcement and detention activities.

The city of Mesa provided the following statement:

“The City of Mesa is aware of reports regarding conditions at the Arizona Removal Operations Coordination Center (AROCC) located at Mesa Gateway Airport, including concerns about occupancy levels.

“Earlier this year, the Fire Marshal provided recommendations consistent with applicable safety standards following observed occupancy concerns. A routine inspection conducted on April 23 did not identify any fire code violations. As with any facility, conditions can change, and the City responds to new information as it becomes available.

“The City is aware that the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority has communicated with the property owner regarding occupancy concerns. Immigration enforcement and detention operations are federal responsibilities and are not within the City’s jurisdiction. The City’s ability to enforce local building and occupancy requirements at this facility is limited under applicable law.

“The City expects facilities operating within the community to adhere to applicable safety standards intended to protect occupants. The City will continue to coordinate with appropriate federal partners, consistent with its role and authority.”